Commuter and Parking Services

Getting around the campus

Welcome to Cornell University!  

Cornell’s Ithaca campus is spread over about 700 acres, and features rolling hills, beautiful gorges and waterfalls, and historic architecture. The University is committed to retaining the character of the campus and to protecting the green space over which it has stewardship. Transportation Services is charged with meeting the commuting and parking needs of this large and diverse community.  

Parking at Cornell is extremely limited, so we discourage students, faculty, and staff members from bringing vehicles to the campus. Instead, we encourage the use of alternative commuting methods such as public transit, walking, biking, and carpooling.  

General Parking Rules

If you do decide to bring a car to campus, there are a few things to keep in mind. Campus parking—except in metered and most time-zone areas—is by permit only. Many areas have special evening and weekend restrictions, and only a few are open after 5:00 p.m. and on weekends. In addition, some parking restrictions, such as those in residence hall parking lots and other designated areas, are in force seven days a week, around the clock.